Iron-based alloys and methods of making and use thereof

ABSTRACT

An iron-based alloy includes, in weight percent, carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent; manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 to about 0.8 percent; chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 percent; nickel from about 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2 percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungsten from about 3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3 percent; cobalt from about 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero to about 0.2 percent; and the balance containing iron and incidental impurities. The alloy is suitable for use in elevated temperature applications such as in valve seat inserts for combustion engines.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to iron-based alloys, in particular tocorrosion and wear-resistant iron-based alloys with high hardenabilitythat may be used, for example, in valve seat inserts.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

More restrictive exhaust emissions laws for diesel engines have drivenchanges in engine design including the need for high-pressure electronicfuel injection systems. Engines built according to the new designs usehigher combustion pressures, higher operating temperatures and lesslubrication than previous designs. Components of the new designs,including valve seat inserts (VSI), have experienced significantlyhigher wear rates. Exhaust valve seat inserts and valves, for example,must be able to withstand a high number of valve impact events andcombustion events with minimal wear (e.g., abrasive, adhesive andcorrosive wear). This has motivated a shift in materials selectiontoward materials that offer improved wear resistance relative to thevalve seat insert materials that have traditionally been used by thediesel industry.

Another emerging trend in diesel engine development is the use of EGR(exhaust gas recirculation). With EGR, exhaust gas is routed back intothe intake air stream to reduce nitric oxide (NO_(x)) content in exhaustemissions. The use of EGR in diesel engines can raise the operatingtemperatures of valve seat inserts. Accordingly, there is a need forlower cost exhaust valve seat inserts having good hot hardness for usein diesel engines using EGR.

Also, because exhaust gas contains compounds of nitrogen, sulfur,chlorine, and other elements that potentially can form acids, the needfor improved corrosion resistance for alloys used in exhaust valve seatinsert applications is increased for diesel engines using EGR. Acid canattack valve seat inserts and valves leading to premature enginefailure.

There is a need for improved iron-based alloys for valve seat insertsthat exhibit adequate hardenability, as well as corrosion and wearresistance suitable for use in, for example, exhaust valve seat insertapplications.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an iron-based alloycontaining, in weight percent, carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent;manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 toabout 0.8 percent; chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 percent;nickel from about 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 toabout 2.2 percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungstenfrom about 3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3percent; cobalt from about 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero toabout 0.2 percent; and the balance containing iron and incidentalimpurities.

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an iron-based alloycontaining, in weight percent, carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent;manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 toabout 0.8 percent; chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 percent;nickel from about 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 toabout 2.2 percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungstenfrom about 3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3percent; cobalt from about 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero toabout 0.2 percent; and the balance containing iron and incidentalimpurities, where the alloy has interdendritic regions containingeutectic reaction phases, and when in a hardened and tempered condition,the alloy has a hardness of at least about 50 HRc.

In further embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a valveseat insert for use in an internal combustion engine. In embodiments,the valve seat insert is made of an iron-based alloy containing, inweight percent, carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent; manganese fromabout 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 to about 0.8percent; chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 percent; nickel fromabout 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungsten from about3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3 percent; cobaltfrom about 3 to about 5 percent; and boron from zero to about 0.2percent; with the balance containing iron and incidental impurities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve-assembly incorporating avalve seat insert of an iron-based alloy according to an embodiment ofthe instant application.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the bulk hardness as a functionof tempering temperature for an iron-based alloy according to theinstant disclosure (“J161 alloy” or “J161”) hardened at 1750° F. and theJ161 alloy hardened at 1550° F., as compared to that of a comparativeiron-based martensite matrix alloy (“J160 alloy” or “J160”) hardened at1750° F. and the J160 alloy hardened at 1550° F.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the results of wear resistanceanalysis, showing pin specimen wear as a function of test temperaturefor the J161 alloy vs. 23-8N, as compared to the J160 alloy vs. 23-8N.As used herein, “23-8N” refers to a commercially-available austeniticchromium-nickel alloy containing, in weight percent, 0.3 to 0.35 percentcarbon, 3 to 4 percent manganese, 0.6 to 0.9 percent silicon, 22 to 24percent chromium, 7 to 9 percent nickel, 0.3 to 0.34 percent nitrogen,and the balance iron.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the results of wear resistanceanalysis, showing plate specimen wear as a function of test temperaturefor the J161 alloy vs. 23-8N, as compared to the J160 alloy vs. 23-8N.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the results of wear resistanceanalysis, showing total (pin+plate) wear as a function of testtemperature for the J161 alloy vs. 23-8N, as compared to the J160 alloyvs. 23-8N.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are optical micrographs at 100× and 500×, respectively,of the J161 alloy (Heat 5) in the hardened (1550° F./2.5 hours) plustempered (1325° F./3.5 hours) condition.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are optical micrographs at 100× and 500×, respectively,of the J160 alloy in the hardened (1550° F./2.5 hours) plus tempered(1325° F./3.5 hours) condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an iron-based alloy useful as a valve seat insertwhich will now be described in detail with reference to a fewembodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the iron-based alloy. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments herein maybe practiced without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well known process steps and/or structures have not beendescribed in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the iron-basedalloy.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,conditions, and the like in the instant disclosure and claims are to beunderstood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” The term“about” refers, for example, to numerical values covering a range ofplus or minus 10% of the numerical value. The modifier “about” used incombination with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value.

In this specification and the claims that follow, singular forms such as“a”, “an”, and “the” include plural forms unless the content clearlydictates otherwise.

The terms “room temperature”, “ambient temperature”, and “ambient”refer, for example, to a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 25°C.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary valve assembly 2 according to thepresent disclosure. Valve assembly 2 may include a valve 4, which may beslidably supported within the internal bore of a valve stem guide 6 anda valve seat insert 18. The valve stem guide 6 may be a tubularstructure that fits into the cylinder head 8. Arrows illustrate thedirection of motion of the valve 4. Valve 4 may include a valve seatface 10 interposed between the cap 12 and neck 14 of the valve 4. Valvestem 16 may be positioned above the neck 14 and may be received withinvalve stem guide 6. The valve seat insert 18 may include a valve seatinsert face 10′ and may be mounted, such as by press-fitting, within thecylinder head 8 of the engine. In embodiments, the cylinder head 8 maycomprise a casting of, for example, cast iron, aluminum, or an aluminumalloy. In embodiments, the insert 18 (shown in cross-section) may beannular in shape, and the valve seat insert face 10′ may engage thevalve seat face 10 during movement of valve 4.

In embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an iron-based alloy(referred to hereafter as “J161 alloy” or “J161”). The hardenability,hot hardness, high temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and wearresistance of the J161 alloy make it useful in a variety of applicationsincluding, for example, as a valve seat insert for an internalcombustion engine, and in ball bearings, coatings, and the like. Inembodiments, the alloy is used as a valve seat insert for an internalcombustion engine.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy comprises, in weight percent, carbon fromabout 2 to about 3 weight percent; manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4weight percent; silicon from about 0.3 to about 0.8 weight percent;chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 weight percent; nickel from about0.05 to about 0.6 weight percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2weight percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 weight percent;tungsten from about 3 to about 5 weight percent; niobium from about 1 toabout 3 weight percent; cobalt from about 3 to about 5 weight percent;boron from zero to about 0.2 weight percent; and the balance includingiron and incidental impurities. In embodiments, the balance includesiron and incidental impurities, and which may include up to about 1.5weight percent other elements, such as aluminum, arsenic, bismuth,copper, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, lead, sulfur, tin,titanium, yttrium and rare earth elements (lanthanides), zinc, tantalum,selenium, hafnium, and zirconium.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy consists essentially of, in weightpercent, carbon from about 2.4 to about 2.7 percent; manganese fromabout 0.2 to about 0.3 percent; silicon from about 0.5 to about 0.7percent; chromium from about 12 to about 13 percent; nickel from about0.2 to about 0.4 percent; vanadium from about 1.2 to about 1.5 percent;molybdenum from about 5 to about 6 percent; tungsten from about 3.5 toabout 4 percent; niobium from about 1.5 to about 2.5 percent; cobaltfrom about 3.5 to about 4 percent; boron from about 0.08 to about 0.2percent; and the balance containing iron and incidental impurities. Asused herein, the terms “consists essentially of” or “consistingessentially of” have a partially closed meaning—that is to say, suchterms exclude steps, features, or components which would substantiallyand adversely change the basic and novel properties of the alloy (i.e.,steps or features or components which would have a detrimental effect onthe desired properties of the J161 alloy). The basic and novelproperties of the J161 alloy may include at least one of the following:hardness, thermal conductivity, compressive yield strength, wearresistance, corrosion resistance, and microstructure (i.e., eutecticreaction phases in the interdendritic regions and tempered martensite inthe intradendritic regions).

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may be processed to achieve a combinationof hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance suitable forvalve seat inserts in the hardened and tempered condition. Inembodiments, the J161 alloy may be processed according to any suitablemethod; for example, in embodiments, the J161 may be processed byconventional techniques including powder metallurgy, casting,thermal/plasma spraying, weld overlay, and the like.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may be formed into a metal powder by anysuitable technique. Various techniques for forming the alloy into ametal powder include, for example, ball milling elemental powders oratomization to form pre-alloyed powder. In embodiments, the powdermaterial may be compacted into a desired shape and sintered. Thesintering process may be used to achieve desired properties in theresulting part.

In embodiments, a valve seat insert may be manufactured by casting,which is a process involving melting alloy constituents and pouring themolten mixture into a mold. In embodiments, the alloy castings may besubsequently hardened and tempered before machining into a final shape.In embodiments, a valve seat insert may be manufactured by machining apiece of the J161 alloy.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may be used in the manufacture of valveseat inserts, such as valve seat inserts for use in diesel engines (forexample, diesel engines with or without EGR). In embodiments, the J161alloy may be used in other applications including, for example, valveseat inserts made for gasoline, natural gas, bi-fuel, or alternativelyfueled internal combustion engines. Such valve seat inserts may bemanufactured by conventional techniques. In addition, the J161 alloy mayfind utility in other applications, including, for example, applicationsin which high temperature properties are advantageous, such as wearresistant coatings, internal combustion engine components, and dieselengine components.

In embodiments, the J161 may be hardened and tempered to obtain a finesolidification substructure formation. In embodiments, themicrostructure of the J161 alloy contains intradendritic regions mainlycomposed of tempered martensite, with eutectic reaction phases existingin the interdendritic regions. The term “interdendritic” refers, forexample, to the regions existing between the dendrites, and the term“intradendritic” refers, for example, to regions existing within thedendrites. In embodiments, the alloy contains a comparatively highcarbon content (i.e., for example, in embodiments, the alloy may containfrom about 2 to 3 weight percent carbon, such as from about 2.2 to about2.8 weight percent carbon, or from about 2.4 to about 2.7 weight percentcarbon, or about 2.5 weight percent carbon) which may promote eutecticformation in the interdendritic regions, rather than, for example,simple carbide formation. Without being bound to any particular theory,it is believed that the superior wear resistance properties and strengthof the J161 alloy may be attributed to the microstructure of thealloy—that is to say, the presence of eutectic reaction phases, such asthe eutectic reaction phases in the interdendritic regions of the J161alloy, in combination with the tempered martensite in the intradendriticregions may give greater strength to the J161 alloy and improves wearresistance.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may have a high level of hardenability.For example, in embodiments, the J161 alloy may be in a hardened andtempered condition and may have a bulk hardness of greater than about 50HRc, such as greater than about 55 HRc, or greater than about 60 HRc, orgreater than about 65 HRc. For instance, in embodiments, the J161 alloymay have a hardenability of from about 50 HRc to about 70 HRc, such asfrom about 55 HRc to about 65 HRc.

Thermal conductivity of valve seat insert materials influences theirperformance—a valve seat insert material with high thermal conductivitycan more effectively transfer heat away from engine valves in order toprevent overheating. In embodiments, the J161 alloy may have a thermalconductivity of from about 18 W/m*K to about 27 W/m*K at temperaturesfrom about 25° C. to about 700° C. For example, in embodiments, the J161alloy may have a thermal conductivity of greater than about 18 W/m*K ata temperature of about 25° C., or greater than about 20 W/m*K at atemperature of about 100° C., or greater than about 21 W/m*K at atemperature of 200° C., or greater than about 23 W/m*K at a temperatureof 300° C., or greater than about 24 W/m*K at 400° C., or greater thanabout 25 W/m*K at 500° C.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may have a high ultimate tensile strengthand compressive yield strength suitable for use in valve seat insertapplications. In general, a greater ultimate tensile strengthcorresponds to a greater resistance to insert cracking, and a greatercompressive yield strength corresponds to high valve seat insertretention. In embodiments, the J161 alloy may have a compressive yieldstrength of greater than about 150 ksi and a tensile strength of greaterthan about 80.3 ksi at a temperature of about 25° C. In embodiments, thetensile strength at 1200° C. may be greater than about 59.3 ksi, such asgreater than about 60 ksi. In embodiments, the difference between thetensile strength at 25° C. and that at 1200° C. may be less than about21 ksi, such as less than about 20 ksi. In embodiments, the differencebetween the tensile strength at 25° C. and the tensile strength at 1000°C. may be less than about 21 ksi, such as less than about 20 ksi, orless than about 19 ksi.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may have a microhardness (as carried outwith the Vickers HV10 scale under vacuum conditions) of greater thanabout 450 HV10 at a temperature of less than 1000° F. For example, inembodiments, the J161 alloy may have a microhardness (HV10) of at least550 at a temperature of about 68° F. (20° F.), such as from about 555HV10 to about 570 HV10, or from about 560 HV10 to about 565 HV10. Inembodiments, the J161 alloy may have a microhardness at 200° C. ofgreater than about 540 HV10, such as greater than about 550 HV10, orfrom about 545 HV10 to 560 HV10, or from about 550 HV10 to about 555HV10.

Carbon is an alloying element in the J161 alloy, which may affect alloycastability, microstructure, solidification substructure, and mechanicalmetallurgical behavior. Increasing carbon content can augment thehardenability of an iron-based alloy. The J161 contains a relativelyhigh amount of carbon—without being bound to any particular theory, itis believed that the carbon content in the J161 alloy promotes eutecticformation (for example, the carbon content may promote eutecticformation in the interdendritic regions, as opposed to simple carbideformation), which contributes to the high wear resistance of the J161alloy, as discussed above. In embodiments, carbon may be present in theJ161 alloy in an amount of from about 2 to about 3 weight percent, suchas from about 2.2 to about 2.8 weight percent, or from about 2.4 toabout 2.7 weight percent.

In embodiments, boron may also be used in the J161 alloy as an effectivealloying element to increase hardenability of the iron-based alloysystem. Boron may also act as a grain refiner—fine grain and subgrainsize improves not only the valve seat insert material wear performance,but also augments the bulk strength of the matrix. In embodiments, theJ161 alloy may contain, for example, from zero to about 0.2 weightpercent boron, such as from about 0.08 to about 0.2 weight percentboron, or from about 0.1 to about 0.15 weight percent boron.

Manganese is an austenite former and, in embodiments, may be present inthe J161 alloy in an amount of, for example, from about 0.1 to about 0.4weight percent, such as from about 0.2 to about 0.4 weight percent, orfrom about 0.2 to about 0.3 weight percent, or from about 0.25 to about0.35 weight percent.

In embodiments, the silicon content in the J161 alloy is from about 0.3to about 0.8 weight percent, such as from about 0.4 to about 0.7 weightpercent silicon, or from about 0.5 to about 0.7 weight percent silicon,or from about 0.5 to about 0.6 weight percent silicon. In embodiments,silicon can affect the castability and mode of solidification of thealloy.

In embodiments, the alloy may contain chromium, a carbide and a ferriteformer, in an amount of from about 11.5 to about 14.5 weight percent,such as from about 12 to about 13.5 weight percent chromium, or fromabout 12 to about 13 weight percent chromium, or from about 12.5 toabout 13 weight percent chromium.

In embodiments, nickel, an austenite former, may be present in the J161alloy in an amount of, for example, from about 0.05 to about 0.6 weightpercent nickel, such as from about 0.15 to about 0.5 weight percentnickel, or from about 0.2 to about 0.4 weight percent nickel.

Vanadium is a carbide former and may, in embodiments, be present in thealloy in an amount of, for example, from about 0.8 to about 2.2 weightpercent, such as from about 1 to about 1.8 weight percent vanadium, orfrom about 1.2 to about 1.5 weight percent vanadium, or from about 1.2to about 1.4 weight percent vanadium.

In embodiments, molybdenum, which is also a carbide former, may bepresent in the alloy in an amount of, for example, from about 4 to about7 weight percent molybdenum, such as from about 5 to about 6 weightpercent molybdenum, or from about 5.1 to about 5.5 weight percentmolybdenum.

In embodiments, the alloy may contain tungsten, which is also a strongcarbide former, in a suitable amount, such as from about 3 to about 5weight percent, or from about 3.4 to about 4.5 weight percent tungsten,or from about 3.5 to about 4 weight percent tungsten.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may contain niobium, also a strongcarbide former, in a suitable amount. For example, in embodiments, theJ161 alloy may contain from about 1 to about 3 weight percent niobium,such as from about 1.5 to about 2.5 weight percent niobium, or fromabout 1.9 to about 2.3 weight percent niobium.

In embodiments, the J161 alloy may also contain cobalt, an austeniteformer, in a suitable amount. For example, in embodiments, the J161alloy may contain from about 3 to about 5 weight percent cobalt, such asfrom about 3.2 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, or from about3.5 to about 4 weight percent cobalt.

The iron-based alloy can have optional additions of other alloyingelements, or may be free of intentional additions of such elements. Inembodiments, the balance of the J161 alloy is iron and incidentalimpurities, which can include up to about 1.5 weight percent otherelements, such as aluminum, arsenic, bismuth, copper, calcium, hafnium,magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, lead, sulfur, tin, titanium, yttriumand rare earth elements (also called lanthanides), zinc, tantalum, orzirconium. In embodiments, the J161 alloy contains less than about 1.5weight percent impurities, such as less than about 1.0 weight percentimpurities, or less than about 0.5 weight percent impurities, or lessthan about 0.3 weight percent impurities. In embodiments, the alloy isfree of intentional additions of aluminum and/or titanium. The phrase“free of intentional additions” indicates, for example, that suchelements are not intentionally added, but may be incidentally presentdue to processing materials and conditions. For example, elements suchas copper or nickel may be present in stock used to make alloys.Further, because sulfur and phosphorus are common impurities which areremoved during alloy preparation, complete elimination of these elementsfrom the alloy may not be cost effective. In embodiments, the alloy maycontain less than about 0.1 weight percent sulfur and/or less than about0.1 weight percent phosphorus. In embodiments, the combined content ofsulfur and phosphorus is less than 0.1 weight percent.

EXAMPLES

The examples set forth herein below are illustrative of differentcompositions and conditions that may be used in practicing theembodiments of the present disclosure. All proportions are by weightunless otherwise indicated. It will be apparent, however, that theembodiments may be practiced with many types of compositions and canhave many uses in accordance with the disclosure above and as pointedout hereinafter.

The effects of compositional changes were explored by varying thecomposition of Heats 1-7 for the J161 alloy. The compositions of Heats1-7 are shown in Table 1. Properties of the J161 alloys are discussedbelow. For comparative purposes, samples of an alloy J160 were alsoprepared according to the composition shown below in Table 1. Alloy J160is an iron-based martensite matrix alloy which may be used for a widespectrum of valve seat insert applications.

TABLE 1 Composition of Alloys (wt. %) Experimental Heats HEAT C Si Mn CrMo W Co V Nb Ni Fe B 1 2.67 0.51 0.23 12.62 5.17 3.80 3.70 1.20 1.950.34 Bal. 0.161 2 2.48 0.65 0.32 12.65 5.21 3.75 3.60 1.23 2.06 0.34Bal. 0.170 3 2.48 0.62 0.30 12.96 5.22 3.84 3.66 1.25 2.00 0.32 Bal.0.122 4 2.54 0.53 0.26 12.60 5.41 3.99 3.68 1.31 2.06 0.35 Bal. 0.076 52.52 0.54 0.29 13.07 5.39 4.02 3.82 1.24 2.23 0.29 Bal. 0.086 6 2.520.54 0.27 13.06 5.41 3.93 3.98 1.32 1.99 0.30 Bal. 0.114 7 2.40 0.590.26 12.55 5.31 3.67 3.53 1.21 1.97 0.22 Bal. 0.193 J160 1.45 0.60 0.3012.75 5.25 4.00 3.50 1.25 2.00 0.40 Bal. —

Example 1 Tempering Response

The tempering response of the J161 and J160 alloys was analyzed byconducting a hardening step followed by a tempering step—that is, thetempering response of the alloys was analyzed by hardening for about 2.5hours, followed by tempering for about 3.5 hours at varyingtemperatures. The J160 and J161 alloys were tested under two hardeningtemperatures, 1550° F. and 1750° F. for 2.5 hours and air-cooled. Thesamples were at room temperature before proceeding to the temperingstep. The thirteen tempering temperatures evaluated in this study rangedat 100° F. intervals from 300° F. through 1500° F. (that is, 300° F.,400° F., 500° F., 600° F., 700° F., 800° F., 900° F., 1000° F., 1100°F., 1200° F., 1300° F., 1400° F., and 1500° F.). The 75° F. hardnessdata reflects the as-hardened condition (equivalent to the condition oftempering at the lab ambient). The hardness measurement results from thesamples with different heat treatment conditions are summarized in Table2, and illustrated in FIG. 2.

TABLE 2 Summary of Hardness Measurements (HRC) with Different HeatTreatment Conditions Tempering Bulk Hardness (HRc) Temper- J160 J160J161 (Heat 1) J161 (Heat 1) ature hardened at hardened at hardened athardened at (° F.) 1750° F. 1550° F. 1750° F. 1550° F. 75 59.6 53.7 66.864.1 300 59.6 53.7 66.2 64.9 400 59.2 54.5 65.1 64.4 500 59.2 54.5 64.965.0 600 59.4 54.5 65.3 64.0 700 59.6 54.6 65.4 64.4 800 59.9 54.4 65.664.1 900 59.3 54.3 65.6 64.7 1000 57.2 51.4 64.4 62.5 1100 49.0 45.159.0 56.2 1200 45.8 45.2 53.0 54.2 1300 45.5 45.0 53.1 53.0 1400 44.544.1 50.5 51.5 1500 41.9 43.4 51.1 53.8

As shown in the measurements at the 75° F. tempering temperature (i.e.,at lab ambient, reflecting the as-hardened bulk hardness), hardening at1750° F. resulted in greater as-hardened bulk hardness than hardening at1550° F. for both the J161 and J160 alloys. However, the as-hardenedbulk hardness was greater for J161 than J160—that is to say, theas-hardened bulk hardness of the J161 alloy hardened at 1750° F. wasgreater than that of the J161 alloy hardened at 1550° F., but theas-hardened bulk hardness of the J161 alloy hardened at 1550° F. wasgreater than that of the J160 alloy hardened at either 1750° F. or 1550°F. Moreover, the difference between the as-hardened bulk hardness of theJ160 alloy hardened at 1750° F. and the J160 alloy hardened at 1550° F.was much more pronounced than that between the two J161alloys—specifically, the difference between the J160 samples was morethan twice that of the J161 samples (5.9 HRc for the J160 samples, ascompared to 2.7 HRc for the J161 samples).

The tempered hardness as a function of tempering temperature for bothJ160 and J161 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Alloy J161 hardened at 1750° F.showed a slightly higher hardenability than the J161 alloy hardened at1550° F., but the difference in hardness between the two alloys for eachhardening temperature was essentially insignificant. In contrast, therewas a significant difference in hardness between the J160 alloy hardenedat 1750° F. and the J160 alloy hardened at 1550° F. from ambienttemperature through the 1100° F. temperature range. These results show asignificant difference in hardenability between the J160 and J161alloys.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stabilized hardness temperature range for bothJ160 and J161 was from about 1100° F. through about 1500° F. Thestabilized hardness for the J160 alloy in this range was from about HRc51.9 through HRc 49.0, while the stabilized hardness for the J161 alloywas from about HRc 50.5 through HRc 59.0. Generally, the temperingtemperature for a martensitic VSI alloy should be selected in thetemperature range with stabilized hardness.

Example 2 Thermal Physical Property

The thermal expansion coefficient (“CTE”) of J161 (Heat 3) was measuredin an argon atmosphere at a temperature of from ambient temperature toabout 600° C. For comparative purposes, the thermal expansioncoefficient of another valve seat insert alloy (J160) was also analyzed.The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Alloys J160 and J161(Heat 3) CTE of Alloy J160 CTE of Alloy J161 ×10⁻⁶ ×10⁻⁶ ×10⁻⁶ ×10⁻⁶Temperature mm/ mm/ mm/ mm/ ° C. ° F. mm° C. mm° F. mm° C. mm° F. 25-20077-392 10.45 5.81 11.39 6.33 25-300 77-572 11.03 6.13 11.76 6.53 25-40077-752 11.41 6.34 12.33 6.85 25-500 77-932 11.86 6.59 12.96 7.20 25-600 77-1112 12.07 6.71 13.54 7.52

The differences between the CTE values measured for the J160 alloy andthe J161 alloy are likely related to the differences in theirmicrostructures. The thermal physical property for both alloys wasconsidered to be sound for internal combustion engine valve seat insertapplications.

The thermal conductivity of the J161 alloy was also compared with thatof the J160 alloy. The thermal conductivity was measured using a NETZSCHLFA 457 Microflash™ instrument at the NETZSCH Instruments ApplicationsLaboratory. A comparison between the thermal conductivity of the J161alloy and the J160 alloy is summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Thermal Conductivity of Alloys J160 and J161 Specific HeatConductivity Temperature J/g*K W/m*K Btu/hr-ft-° F. ° C. ° F. J160 J161J160 J161 J160 J161 25 77 0.431 0.460 16.8 18.5 9.7 10.7 100 212 0.4870.479 18.5 20.3 10.7 11.7 200 392 0.527 0.509 20.8 21.8 12.0 12.6 300572 0.567 0.539 22.4 23.2 12.9 13.4 400 752 0.609 0.570 23.9 24.3 13.814.0 500 932 0.690 0.608 24.4 25.1 14.1 14.5 600 1112 0.772 0.668 24.926.1 14.4 15.1 700 1292 0.587 0.714 25.4 25.1 14.7 14.5

Thermal conductivity of valve seat insert materials may affect theirperformance—for example, a valve seat insert material with high thermalconductivity can effectively transfer heat away from engine valves toprevent overheating. As demonstrated in Table 4, the J161 alloy showedan approximately equivalent or higher thermal conductivity as comparedto the J160 alloy at all temperature ranges evaluated. As with the CTE,the differences in the thermal property are believed to be related tothe differences in the microstructures of the alloys, which arediscussed in more detail below.

Example 3 Tension and Compression

Samples of the J161 alloy (Heat 2) were evaluated to determine tensilestrength following ASTM E21-09 (Standard Test Methods for ElevatedTemperature Tension Tests of Metallic Materials) at six temperaturepoints up to 1200° C. For comparative purposes, samples of the J160alloy were also evaluated. The results of the tensile strength analysisare summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Tensile Test Results of Alloys J160 and J161 Young's Modulus UTSof Elasticity Temperature ksi msi Poisson's Ratio ° C. ° F. J160 J161J160 J161 J160 J161 25 77 161.2 80.3 32.9 32.8 0.281 0.2667 600 316135.3 74.5 30.5 32.3 — — 800 427 95.7 69.7 34.2 29.6 — — 1000 538 96.961.3 24.5 25.4 — — 1100 593 — 58.8 — 22.2 — — 1200 649 — 59.3 — 17.7 — —

Samples of the J161 alloy were evaluated to determine compressive yieldstrength following ASTM E9-89a (2000) (Standard Test Methods ofCompression Testing of Metallic Materials at Room Temperature (Withdrawn2009)) at six temperature points up to 1200° C. For comparativepurposes, samples of the J160 alloy were also evaluated. The results ofthe compressive yield strength analysis (CYS) are summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 COMPRESSION TEST RESULTS OF ALLOYS J160 (5G05XA) AND J161 (Heat2) Young's Modulus CYS of Elasticity Temperature ksi msi Poisson's Ratio° C. ° F. J160 J161 J160 J161 J160 J161 25 77 142.6 157.7 37.0 33.80.274 0.2763 600 316 143.8 136.2 33.9 28.9 — — 800 427 139.7 128.3 20.928.9 — — 1000 538 121.2 107.5 19.7 24.6 — — 1100 593 — 91.8 — 21.9 — —1200 649 — 69.0 — 21.6 — —

With respect to valve insert rupture resistance, in general, a greaterultimate tensile strength corresponds to a greater resistance to insertcracking. As shown in Table 5, while the J160 alloy generally possesseda greater ultimate tensile strength than the J161 alloy, the J161 alloyshowed satisfactory ultimate tensile strength with very slow decreasingrate when the test temperature was increased from ambient to 1200° F.

Greater compressive yield strength corresponds with higher valve seatinsert retention—accordingly, because the J161 alloy demonstratedgreater compressive yield strength when the test temperature was lowerthan 1000° C. (as demonstrated in Table 6), the J161 alloy demonstrateda higher insert retention capability.

Example 4 Microhardness

Samples of the J161 alloy from Heat 3 were evaluated for hot hardness attemperatures up to 1600° C. (871° F.) with the Vickers hardness testingtechnique following ASTM E92-82 (2003) (Standard Test Method for VickersHardness of Metallic Materials) under vacuum condition. For comparativepurposes, the J160 alloy was also tested for hot hardness. The resultsof the microhardness testing analysis are summarized in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Microhardness Measurement Results for the J160 and J161 AlloysTemperature Microhardness (HV10) ° F. ° C. J160 J161 (OC11Z) 68 20 525564 200 93 518 554 400 204 513 511 600 316 477 488 800 427 443 457 1000538 410 386 1200 649 307 268 1400 760 233 153 1600 871 133 129

As demonstrated in Table 7, microhardness significantly reflected theeffect of strengthening phases. Both J160 and J161 showed a soundmicrohardness from ambient temperature through 1600° F. When the testtemperature was lower than 1000° F., J161 showed an overall highermicrohardness than J160.

Example 5 Wear Resistance

Wear resistance analysis of the J161 alloy was conducted on a PlintModel TE77 Tribometer, which can accurately predict wear resistanceunder simulated service conditions during testing in diesel and naturalgas engines. The plint test was a pin-on-plate test for which the pinspecimen was made with valve seat insert alloys, while the platespecimen was extracted from actual valve material.

The wear resistance analysis was conducted on a Plint Model TE77Tribometer that can accurately predict wear resistance under simulatedservice conditions during testing in diesel and natural gas engines. Thewear resistance analysis was conducted by sliding pin-shaped samples ofJ161 (Heat 2) and J160 against a plate sample of 23-8N (a commerciallyavailable steel typically used in intake valves, containing, in weightpercent, 0.3 to 0.35 percent carbon, 3 to 4 percent manganese, 0.6 to0.9 percent silicon, 22 to 24 percent chromium, 7 to 9 percent nickel,0.3 to 0.34 percent nitrogen, and the balance iron). Testing wasconducted at a set of temperature points following ASTM G133 (standardtest method of determining sliding wear of wear-resistant materialsusing a linearly reciprocating ball-on-flat geometry). A force of 20Nwas applied on the pin-shaped sample against a plate sample whilesliding the pin sample by a 1 mm sliding length at 20 Hz over atemperature range (room temperature through 500° C.) for 100,000 cycles.

The test results of pin specimen, plate specimen, and total materials(pin+plate wear) for the J160 and J161 alloys versus J23-8N arepresented in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, respectively (applied load: 20N;reciprocating frequency: 20 Hz; sliding distance: 1 mm; total testcycles: 100,000). As shown in FIG. 3, the J161 and J160 alloysdemonstrated similar pin specimen wear. For plate and total materialswear, J161 vs. 23-8N showed significantly less wear compared to J160 vs.23-8N within the test temperature range from room temperature through500° C. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believedthat the superior wear resistance exhibited by the J161 alloy ascompared to the J160 alloy may be attributed to the differences in itsmicrostructure, which are discussed in more detail below.

Example 6 Evaluation of the Microstructure

FIG. 6A is an optical micrograph the microstructural morphology of anembodiment of the as-cast J161 alloy (Heat 5) at 100× magnification(FIG. 6B shows the alloy at 500× magnification). As shown in FIGS.6A/6B, under the hardened and tempered condition, the 161 alloy featuresintradendritic regions mainly composed of tempered martensite, witheutectic reaction phases existing in the interdendritic regions.

For comparative purposes, FIG. 7A illustrates the microstructuralmorphology of the as-cast J160 alloy at 100× magnification (FIG. 6Bshows the alloy at 500× magnification). As demonstrated in FIGS. 6 and7, J161 possesses a finer solidification substructure formation comparedto J160 under the same thermal treatment condition. Both the J160 andthe J161 alloys feature intradendritic regions mainly composed oftempered martensite, but the interdendritic regions of the J160 alloycontain primarily solid solution phase and network carbides under thehardened plus tempered condition (as opposed to eutectic reactionphases, as seen in the J161 alloy). That is to say, the J160 and J161alloys showed different microstructures in the interdendritic regions,and the J161 alloy showed a greater capability to form finer and moreuniform solidification structures.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrativeand not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by theappended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changesthat come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof areintended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An iron-based alloy comprising, in weightpercent: carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent; manganese from about0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 to about 0.8 percent;chromium from 11.5 to about 14.5 percent; nickel from about 0.05 toabout 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2 percent;molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungsten from about 3 toabout 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3 percent; cobalt fromabout 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero to about 0.2 percent; andbalance iron and incidental impurities; wherein the alloy has a totalcarbon and silicon content of 2.3 to 3.5 percent and a microstructure ofinterdendritic regions comprising eutectic reaction phases.
 2. The alloyaccording to claim 1, wherein the carbon content of the alloy is fromabout 2.4 to about 3 weight percent and a total carbon and siliconcontent is 2.7 to 3.4 percent.
 3. The alloy according to claim 1,wherein the alloy contains at least about 0.08 weight percent boron. 4.The alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy contains at leastabout 2.4 weight percent carbon, at least about 0.08 weight percentboron and a total carbon and silicon content is 2.7 to 3.3 percent. 5.The alloy according to claim 1, wherein the cobalt content of the alloyis from about 3.5 to about 4 weight percent.
 6. The alloy according toclaim 1, wherein the total carbon and silicon content is 2.3 to 3.2percent.
 7. The alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy is in ahardened and tempered condition and has a hardness of from about 50 toabout 63 Rockwell C.
 8. The alloy according to claim 1, wherein thealloy is in a hardened and tempered condition and has a hardness of atleast about 52 Rockwell C.
 9. The alloy according to claim 1, whereinthe alloy has a microhardness (HV10) of at least 550 at a temperature ofabout 200° F.
 10. The alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloyconsists essentially of, in weight percent: carbon from about 2.4 toabout 3 percent; manganese from about 0.2 to about 0.3 percent; siliconfrom about 0.5 to about 0.7 percent; chromium from 12 to about 13percent; nickel from about 0.2 to about 0.4 percent; vanadium from about1.2 to about 1.5 percent; molybdenum from about 5 to about 7 percent;tungsten from about 3.5 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1.5 toabout 2.5 percent; cobalt from about 3.5 to about 4 percent; boron fromabout 0.08 to about 0.2 percent; and balance iron and incidentalimpurities.
 11. A part for an internal combustion engine comprising thealloy according to claim
 1. 12. The alloy according to claim 1, whereinthe alloy is in a hardened and tempered condition that has a hardness ofat least about 50 HRc.
 13. A valve seat insert for use in an internalcombustion engine, the valve seat insert made of an iron-based alloycomprising, in weight percent: carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent;manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 toabout 0.8 percent; chromium from 11.5 to about 14.5 percent; nickel fromabout 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungsten from about3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3 percent; cobaltfrom about 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero to about 0.2 percent;and balance iron and incidental impurities; wherein the alloy has atotal carbon and silicon content is 2.3 to 3.5 percent and amicrostructure of interdendritic regions comprising eutectic reactionphases.
 14. The valve seat insert according to claim 13, wherein thealloy contains at least about 0.08 weight percent boron, and the carboncontent of the alloy is from about 2.4 to about 3 weight percent and atotal carbon and silicon content is 2.7 to 3.4 percent.
 15. The valveseat insert according to claim 13, wherein the alloy consistsessentially of, in weight percent, carbon from about 2.4 to about 3percent; manganese from about 0.2 to about 0.3 percent; silicon fromabout 0.5 to about 0.7 percent; chromium from 12 to about 13 percent;nickel from about 0.2 to about 0.4 percent; vanadium from about 1.2 toabout 1.5 percent; molybdenum from about 5 to about 7 percent; tungstenfrom about 3.5 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1.5 to about 2.5percent; cobalt from about 3.5 to about 4 percent; boron from about 0.08to about 0.2 percent; and balance iron and incidental impurities.
 16. Amethod of manufacturing the valve seat insert of claim 13, the methodcomprising: casting the iron-based alloy; and machining the casting. 17.A method of manufacturing the valve seat insert of claim 13, the methodcomprising: hardening the iron-based alloy at a temperature of fromabout 1550° F. to about 1750° F.; and tempering the as-hardened alloy ata temperature of from about 300° F. to about 1500° F.
 18. A method ofmanufacturing an internal combustion engine, the method comprisinginserting the valve seat insert of claim 13 in a cylinder head of theinternal combustion engine.
 19. The method according to claim 18,wherein the internal combustion engine is selected from the groupconsisting of diesel engines and natural gas engines.
 20. A method ofoperating an internal combustion engine comprising: closing a valveagainst the valve seat insert according to claim 13 to close a cylinderof the internal combustion engine; and igniting fuel in the cylinder tooperate the internal combustion engine.